Questions for reflection:• Why do you think Herod was both ‘perplexed’ by John the Baptist and at the same time,‘heard him gladly’?• What were the character flaws in Herod that resulted in his killing John when in fact he knew John to be a holy man unworthy of death?• How might the fear of what others think effect how we live? What is the most effective way to combat the temptation to be a ‘man-pleaser’?• Why do you think Jesus didn’t take one last opportunity to evangelize Herod when Jesus stood before him after His arrest?• We can imagine the sorrow and confusion of John’s followers at his death. If you were asked, “Why would a good and loving God allow one of the greatest saints ever to die at the whim of an evil queen?” how would you answer?